Police: Arrest for Firearm Theft Turns into NH Meth Lab Discovery

BERLIN — A man wanted for the theft of a firearm also has been charged with making methamphetamine.

On Sunday, police responded to a report of a burglary in which a firearm had been stolen. That investigation led to an arrest warrant for Mark Morin, 38, of 441 First Ave., Berlin.

Because of he possibly had a firearm, members of the Berlin/Gorham Emergency Response Team and the Coos County Sheriff’s Department assisted to take Morin into custody, which was done without incident.

After Morin was taken into custody, police executed a search warrant at his home for items related to the reported burglary. During the execution of this search warrant, investigators found items suspected to be used for manufacturing methamphetamine.

At that time, the home investigators secured the home and contacted the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Clandestine Laboratory Team. They received a second search warrant and executed it.

Morin is charged with burglary, felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of contempt of court.

Morin was arraigned Wednesday in Coos County Superior Court and bail was set at $10,000 corporate surety or $1,000 cash.

The state plans to seek additional charges against Morin.

The Berlin Police Department is investigating and asking the public for help in identifying and locating suspects involved in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs in the Berlin area.

Anyone with information can call the detective division at 603-752-3131.